Real Madrid: Here’s why Paul Pogba is not a dream signing

Real Madrid has been linked with Paul Pogba for years, but do Los Blancos really need to sign the talent to stay among the elite?

Paul Pogba has been a dream signing for many Real Madrid fans, but will that ever turn into a reality? Pogba joined Manchester United in the summer of 2016, and he has been linked to the Spanish club since.

Having come from the same club, Juventus, and country as Zinedine Zidane, many thought that the now 26-year-old would dawn the infamous white kit. But that hasn’t happened, despite all the underlying storylines in play.

Since the transaction three summers ago, Pogba’s market value, as per Transfermarket, has continued to climb from 70 million euros to now 100 million euros – evidence that he is a well sought after player.

In France’s 2018 World Cup title run, Pogba played an important part in helping his country lift the cup for the first time since 1998, including a goal in the 59th minute.

Back to the question at hand, do Real Madrid need Paul Pogba?

Simply put, no.

Pogba is a great player. He possesses a unique lanky frame standing at 6’2, and with that an ability to change pace quickly. Despite his large frame, Pogba is a great handler of the ball, creative and passes with great accuracy. Don’t forget that killer shot from distance.

That being said, the addition of Paul Pogba would clog an already backed-up midfield at the Santiago Bernabeu. Zidane has a plethora of talent on his roster, and with the rules of football not changing anytime soon, he can only play a select few at a time.

Real Madrid currently has seven midfielders on their roster, and while injury concerns have left Zidane stretched for options at times, that’s still a lot. Zizou’s starting XI (injuries aside) consists of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric.

This leaves players like Isco and James Rodriguez on the bench. There isn’t a way to evenly space out time playing time amongst seven players, and doing so would mean a lack of continuity and poor form from the team at large.

Bringing in Pogba means someone must head out the door. Madrid shouldn’t be adverse to change, but the shakeup that would ensue to bring in Pogba seems to be a little outlandish.

In addition, Florentino Perez would most likely need to restructure his wages to pay the reported £290,000 Pogba receives weekly from his current employers, which makes him the second-highest player at the club only behind David De Gea.

Bringing the Frenchman to the Capital could also mean a wasted investment in others currently on the team. Take for example Brahim Diaz, who has spent less than a year with Real Madrid, coming from Manchester City in the January transfer window for a reported €17 million.

Diaz is just one example of a player currently refining their craft at the Valdebebas, but there are others doing so at different training grounds. Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard are currently on loan at Arsenal and Real Sociedad, respectively.

Florentino Perez and his scouting staff have spent the last few years meticulously scouring the world for young prospects. The Galactico policy has found something of an equilibrium with developing younger talent at home.

Paul Pogba is a great player, but the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to the No. 8. Madrid is top of the table in this year’s La Liga campaign, proving that Zidane has a roster than can compete. Perez should utilise Madrid’s deep pockets to improve the team’s quality in other areas of the pitch.